DOI: 10.52340/ekonomisti.2026.01.10

Expanded Summary

The article is devoted to the scientific and economic substantiation of the possibilities for applying the “double cropping method” in order to increase sustainability, enhance production efficiency, and reduce risks in Azerbaijan’s agriculture. It is shown that Azerbaijan’s natural and climatic conditions allow obtaining two harvests from the same land plot within one agricultural year in many regions. This, in turn, leads to the intensification of agricultural production and more efficient use of land and water resources. The application of this method is not limited solely to increasing productivity; at the same time, it is significant in terms of diversifying risks, stabilizing incomes, and strengthening the resilience of agricultural producers against climatic and market fluctuations. In cases where the first crop is lost, the second crop can compensate for farmers’ income losses.

Within the framework of the study, minimal-risk crop combinations for double cropping across various agro-climatic zones of Azerbaijan were analyzed. It’s proposed specific crop pairs by taking into account regional climatic characteristics, water availability, soil fertility levels, and market demand. In Lankaran and Astara zones, characterized by high humidity and mild winters, the cultivation of vegetables, maize, or rice after winter wheat or winter potatoes is considered appropriate. In Ganja, Sheki, and Gazakh regions, which have a moderate continental climate, the cultivation of winter wheat followed by soybeans, maize, or vegetable crops is recommended. The ability of soybeans to restore nitrogen balance in the soil contributes to maintaining long-term soil productivity. At the same time, the cultivation of garlic, potatoes, and melon crops is considered effective in terms of reducing financial risks. For Salyan, Neftchala, Shirvan, and Zardab regions, where water resources are limited, the selection of drought-resistant crops and the application of drip irrigation technologies are recommended. Cultivating crops such as maize, beans, watermelon, and melon after winter wheat or barley makes it possible to achieve maximum economic efficiency with minimal water consumption.

One of the important parts of the study is the assessment of the economic efficiency of the double cropping method based on specific calculations. Calculations conducted using the example of the Ganja region for the “winter wheat – maize” cultivation model show that the net profit obtained from one hectare of land is 1.8–2 times higher compared to traditional single-crop farming. Alternatively, the “winter wheat – bean” model, despite having a higher selling price, is considered relatively risky due to its sensitivity to diseases and water availability. As a result, the “wheat + maize” model is evaluated as the optimal option in terms of economic efficiency and risk balance.

The article also analyzes the agro-aquaponic approach based on the integration of agriculture and fisheries. In particular, it is shown that the application of the integrated “fish – rice” system has high potential in Salyan, Neftchala, Mingachevir, and Lankaran zones. This system enables the integrated use of water resources, reduces production costs, and allows for income diversification. Fish feeding on pests and enriching the water with organic substances increases rice productivity while simultaneously contributing to the preservation of ecological balance.

Based on the conducted calculations, the “fish – rice” system allows obtaining a net profit of 3,000–5,000 manats per hectare, which represents a positive difference compared to traditional farming models.

In conclusion, the article substantiates that the double cropping method is a realistic and safe mechanism for ensuring sustainable development in Azerbaijan’s agriculture. The application of this method creates conditions for increasing productivity and profitability, improving risk management, and ensuring the efficient use of resources. The use of early-maturing and regionally adapted varieties, effective crop rotation, the application of drip irrigation, and the expansion of integrated production models are put forward as key recommendations. The comprehensive implementation of these approaches can significantly strengthen the economic sustainability of agriculture while making an important contribution to the countrys food security and regional development.